Damage seen to an Edmonton fire hydrant in the area of 129 Street and 129 Avenue after a lightning strike on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Damage is visible on a sidewalk along 129 Avenue near 129 Street following a lightning strike, in Edmonton, Thursday July 23, 2026. The damaged sidewalk was likely caused by an "abnormally strong positive lightning strike," said Janelle Gergely, meteorologist with Environment Canada. chuculak@postmedia.comRelatedArea residents stop to look at where lightning struck a sidewalk along 129 Avenue near 129 Street, in Edmonton Thursday July 23, 2026. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites.